Zero Conditional: Rules, Examples & Exercises

We use the Zero Conditional to talk about things that are always true. That is: facts, rules, and situations where one action always follows another. Try this exercise:

Was this too hard? Study the article below and do the exercises at the bottom of this page.

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Structure – Zero Conditional

This conditional has a very simple structure:

If + present simple → present simple

We can also put if in the middle:

Present simple → if + present simple

Both parts of the sentence use the present simple because the action is true every time. Check examples below.

Uses of Zero Conditional

This conditional is common when we explain how the world works, when we talk about routines, or when we give instructions.

1. Scientific facts / natural laws

We use this conditional to describe how nature and science work. These are facts that never change.

• If water reaches 100°C, it boils.
• Plants die if they don’t get sunlight.

2. General truths

A general truth is something that is normally true for people, animals, or the world. These sentences talk about natural results.

• If a person is bilingual, they speak two languages.
• If you don’t eat breakfast, you feel hungry later.

3. Routines

We use this conditional to talk about habits or things that happen regularly in certain situations.

• If she finishes work early, she walks home.
• If I drink coffee at night, I can’t sleep.

4. Instructions / rules

We also use this conditional to give instructions, rules, and directions.

• If the light is red, stop.
• If you want to use the printer, press this button.

Exercises on Zero Conditional

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